I decided to take another stab at the passenger's side rear shock.
This time I removed the rear tire and worked from the side.
That was a good tip.

I was able to get the bottom bolt off using my impact wrench.

However, I was unable to pry the shock from the lower bolt.
I must have tried for 20 mins.
I had a long pipe and was rowing like a crewman, but the shock would just slide right back into place.
Just no way to get a good angle on it! My drum brake was also getting in the way.
I don't know how you guys do it!!

Undeterred, I decided to try removing the RUSTY upper shock bolts anyway.
I got several extensions on my impact wrench.
Half the time, my impact wouldn't work upside down. It would just shoot air. Even on a full charge in the tank.
I don't know how you guys do it!!

One of the bolts, I almost had to work blind, since it was behind the shock from where I was lying on my back.
I think I stripped that bolt b/c my impact wrench just spun around.

I tried the other bolt and my impact wrench just got jammed on it.
Didn't break it free, and it didn't snap it off, either.
The rear upper shock bolts are indestructible!!
I don't know how you guys do it!!

I will have to punt to a professional mechanic.
No clue how he's going to remove that stripped bolt way up in that cavity (if it can even be done)
Rear shocks on an XJ is NOT a job for the lighthearted and inexperienced.
I don't know how you guys do it!!

 

The flaming will start in 3...2...1...

 

Try a pickle fork on the lower shock. For the uppers.. Just google it

 

Yea, I did google it.
I've been planning this project for over a year.

I will buy this pickle fork for $10
Just another "basic hand tool" needed for the XJ. LOL!!
But, I don't think I had the clearance.
Barely any room to work around this rear shock.
Frame rails, axle, exhaust, etc.

 

This is what you get for rushing into it, shock replacement requires minimum 2 years of planning.

 

I'll get my ASE and try again on my next car!

 

Good luck.

 

ASE certs do not give you talent or skill. They only prove you passed a written test.

 

I just did all four shocks this weekend. Rear yesterday and front today. I didn't have any trouble with the rear. I felt there was plenty of room to get the upper bolts. I only used a 1/2" ratchet with 2 extensions to get it down past the axle and went to work. The bottom was a ***** to get off but I don't see how you're going to do that without getting the top nuts off first.

 

My bottom nut was simple.
How did you pry off the lower shock bolt?

The upper bolts were the nightmare. Rusted to all hell !
Ratchet? LOL! Even my impact wrench didn't break them loose or in half!
One just stripped, the other just jammed.

Hey, maybe I should have used my torch, but the PB was everywhere.
Except a 2-post lift (which I may be ordering in January),
I purchased every possible tool for the shocks job, and was prepared to air chisel any busted bolts.
But nothing broke off.

I've bought another $1500 worth of tools for this XJ, but NO DICE!
$600 worth of more tools also coming this weekend!
Wow, my tool collection now costs more than the XJ! I love it!

I don't know how you guys do this stuff!!!

 

Can he just grind open the eye of the shock and it'll fall right off..?

 

Look if you put a breaker bar and maybe a pipe on the end of it and use heat you can break those top nuts off. And get someone to give you a hand on getting them off of the bottom. Last time I did it, I pried the lower shock away while my buddy stuck a pickle fork in there and hammered while I was prying and it came off in maybe a minute.

 

Breaker bar for top bolts will require 2 people.
One to keep pressing the socket and extensions into the nut.

I don't have anyone who can help me.

One of the top bolts is stripped so it's too late now.
It will have to be removed by a trained professional now.

 

No way, I don't do anything that is permanent. Once you chop the shock in half, if you get stuck the car now needs to be towed. Tack on $300 at least.

 

I think the impactwrench can cause more trouble than its worth here. And upper shock bolts are best done with hand tools which gives you more control and a better feel on what is happening. 1/2" drive with breaker bar and ratchet.
Also, sockets for impact wrenches are usually beveled around the edge which reduces contact with the bolt and strips the head easier.